One last video for today :)

Is there anything better than this?!  I think not :)

 

 

Some Of Jaiden's Favorite Letters :)

Dance Party Anyone?!

Here's a peek at my little dance machine.  Keep in mind this is in the middle of the fairgrounds as we were walking by the Zumba tent.  No one else was dancing out her but her.   OhMyGoodness, I just love her to pieces.  Lots of pictures and fun stories coming later this week :)

I Know, I Know, I've been a TERRIBLE blogger lately

Let's just start with the facts... there's no other way to put it other than by just saying that I've been downright AWFUL about updating the blog!  In my defense, I've been busy.  Yes, I know everyone is, but I'm talking REALLY busy lately.  Loving every minute of it, but busy.  My daytime routine is filled with taking care of the two most amazing little kiddos ever.  Yes, gushy, but they really are the best.  During their naps I'm editing pictures from recent photo sessions and answering emails.  I'm now getting new inquiries, MULTIPLE new inquiries daily.  The photography business took off with a bang and has continued to grow since.  I'm pretty much completely booked for the rest of 2012 with the exception of a couple possible openings.  I have to say that I'm so fortunate to be able to stay home with my babies while still doing something that I L.O.V.E. so much in my extra time.  I'm still working out the kinks and trying to make sure I leave enough weekend time to spend together as a family, but I just couldn't be happier. 

On to the kiddos :) I could go on and on for days about how many new things Jaid and Makenna are into but I of course dont' have enough time at the moment, so I'll just hit the basics.  Makenna just turned 16 months old (which, does NOT seem possible-- surprise, surprise, huh?!) and Jaiden will be THREE in December. Ahh!  Makenna is my sweet little snuggle bug with a downright sassy side that I have to admit she gets all from me.  She LOVES dancing, dancing, and more dancing.  If this girl hears music her booty, (and the rest of her body for that matter) is shaking.  We just adore her.  Jaiden is a talking MACHINE and EVERYTHING and ANYTHING is why, why mommy, why, why, WHY, WHY!  Kevin and I vowed to never say "because I said so" but there have been times where after 20 explanations I just don't know what else to say :) He is completely potty trained, day AND night and has been for quite a long time now.  I tried off and on during the spring and then he woke up Memorial Day weekend, said he needed to poop, (first time in the potty) and has had less than 5 accidents since then. No joke.  Everyone said he'd do it on his own time, and that couldn't have been more true for us.  Knock on wood he's only peed in bed once, yes- once.  After Memorial Day weekend we switched him over to underwear 100% of the time and it's never been an issue.  He has learned so many new things and is growing up faster than I care to admit.  We've done lots of fabulous day trips and spent a long weekend at Great Wolf Lodge. The kids had an absolute blast.

Tons more on my little peanuts soon :)

Happy 2nd Birthday to my Not-So-Baby-Anymore Boy!

Ahh! I cannot believe my little baby boy is already 2 years old! Where in the world is the time going?! Not to mention Makenna is 8 months old tomorrow… YIKES! As sad as I am about my babes growing up, I do love the little cuties they are growing into. Jaiden’s spunky personality is showing (along with a good amount of tantrums that come along with the wonderful world of a two year old). We are finally starting to hear more and more words from him daily… which is such a relief! Everyone knows that I’m totally not one to rush “growing up” but there’s only so much more “eh, eh, eh, eh,” that I can take on a daily basis! He’s starting to be able to tell me what he wants and it’s much better on both of us. He’s got his colors down pat, and we’re working on counting next.

His party was Sunday of this past weekend and it was perfect! We had family and close friends over, munched on some snacks, opened gifts, and devoured some monster cupcakes! Jaiden was spoiled and we all had a fabulous time. Kev and I took Makenna and the birthday boy to chuck e cheese for the first time the other day to celebrate as a family and it was a HUGE hit (both with Jaiden and Kevin… I’m honestly not sure who had more fun). Makenna slept the entire time in the ergo carrier, which was nice for me to get extra snuggles with her. I’m sure we will definitely be heading back there again sometime soon!

Makenna now has both bottom teeth and is possibly working on one of the front top ones as well. She’s saying lots of “mamamama’s” and “maaa’s” and I of course rub it in Kevin’s face at every opportunity I get. Jaiden made me wait waaay too long, so Makenna is making up for it! She’s just started giving us kisses (slobbery, open mouthed, and wonderful) and she’s rolling all over the place. She loves bending in half as she’s sitting up to find her toes, and yes, suck on them. They are definitely a favorite at the moment. She’s sleeping from 8pm – 4am(ish). She wakes up at 4 to nurse and then falls back asleep until 8. As much as I drag my feet everyone morning, it’s almost comical, she literally wakes up at 4:07am every morning—as if she has a built in alarm. I’d love to break this little habit sometime in the near future, but until that happens I just keep telling myself to enjoy this time, because there will come a time when snuggles will be few and far between. She’s just started to go from a smiley little girl to everyone and anyone-- to smiling at people she’s around most and making everyone else REALLY work for it. She’ll give you a super serious face until you break through her exterior. It’s funny to watch. Her hair is getting thicker and longer, she’s getting “her look” and has dimples just like me and JaiderBug. She’s a keeper that’s for sure!

I’m having some trouble uploading videos to this site, but I’ll try again in the next couple days. Check back for an update after Christmas and for lots of pictures from the holidays! We hope you all have an amazing Christmas, enjoy time spent with family, and have a safe and happy New Year!

I know, I know... it's been awhile! :(

Ahhh! It’s been a little while since I’ve updated this! Yikes!! So sorry for any of you that check this on a regular basis. My roles as wife, mommy of 2, and photographer have taken over :) I’ve been super busy these last couple months, and don’t anticipate time slowing down any time soon. First and foremost my website will officially be LIVE within the next 72 hours! Check it out if you haven’t already! (saracombsphotography.com) I’ve been booking lots of shoots and am having a blast with this new chapter of my life!

Enough about photography and on to my little ones—or not so little ones anymore! :( Boo! Both kids are growing up faster than I care to admit. Makenna is 7 and a half months old and a spitting image of her Daddy! She is a MOMMY’S girl through and through and I L-O-V-E it. She has been sitting up on her own for quite some time now and is just starting to figure out how to not only get on all fours, but is starting to rock back and forth from time to time. Jaiden didn’t crawl (or show any signs of interest in it) until almost 11 months old, but I have a feeling Makenna will be on the move much sooner than later. Anyone fortunate enough to be around Jaiden when he was younger knows just how lucky we were. He was such a happy, easy going, good sleeper, all around amazing little boy. We thought for sure Makenna would throw us for a loop—but she’s just as happy and content (if not even more so) than Jaiden. We have honestly lucked out and have been blessed with the most amazing little kids. Makenna absolutely adores her big brother and watching the two of them interact literally melts my heart. She is now saying “mamamama” on a regular basis, but that’s about all we’ve heard up to this point. No “dada’s” yet, which is payback for how long Jaiden made me wait. Although—there are moments now where I contemplate changing my name as he yells Momma 30 times in a 5 second period if I’m not paying attention. Makenna does a good amount of babbling and yelling, but not a lot is recognizable yet. She’s started eating food (and is obsessed with sweet potatoes) and I’ve developed a new obsession with making baby food. I don’t know what it is about it that makes me so thrilled, but I love the entire process. I always thought I’d make baby food for Jaiden, but by 7 months he had a mouth full of teeth already and was getting a good amount of actual food, whereas Makenna’s first tooth just made an appearance last week.

Jaiden is in full toddler mode now, talking, learning lots of new things, and throwing some pretty elaborate tantrums too! Oh the joys of a two year old :) He’s entered the phase of always wanting to be “doing” something weather its coloring, playing play-doh, baking with me in the kitchen, etc. He’s such a busy little guy! He and his sister are getting an amazing play kitchen (made by my father in law... pictures coming after Christmas) and I cannot wait! The hours of play that it will get thrills me. He’s going to love it, as will Makenna soon enough! We’re having lots of fun at his “TumbleBugs” class on Tuesday mornings... I will say it’s been a little bit of a challenge, not only because Makenna is waay too young for the class but comes along anyways, but the class is held in the middle of a gym... adult men’s tennis league playing on one side, and the other side of the gym has a floor to ceiling ball rack that Jaiden just doesn’t get WHY we can’t play with. I get so frustrated sometimes because half the class is such a battle getting him away from the balls (those who know him totally understand me) and the other half I’m dealing with the tantrums that follow now being allowed to play with all the balls. He’s obsessed. If you ask him how you play basketball, he now not only will show you the proper way to “dribble, dribble, shoot”... but he’ll lead by example... find the nearest ball and literally dribble, dribble, shoot. Yes, I know—I need this on video. As soon as a get it, I’ll post it for all of you to see. The best part is that Kevin told him the other night that he needs to work on his follow through... so now he holds his hand up in the perfect follow through for all to see. If this kid isn’t destine for sports, I don’t know who is. He’s obsessed with reading books, loves his train table, and his basketball hoop is still his number one favorite toy. Mickey Mouse in no longer cool anymore—he’s moved on to bigger and better (Monsters INC... minus the scary beginning, Toy Story, Nemo, etc). Dividing my attention between him and his “sizzy” has me busier than I’ve ever been, but I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world.

My little monster is turning TWO in a couple weeks (which I refuse to dwell on or else I’ll absolutely lose it) so be on the lookout for pictures from that. We’re doing a monster theme this year... which he picked out all by himself and it should be a fabulous time! Where in the world is the time going?! My baby is turning TWO...!

Family pictures, halloween costumes, thanksgiving, and many more pictures coming soon. Videos Too! :) I promise to be better at updating this!!

20 Months & 4 Months :)

Whew! We have been packing our days with so many fun things, but I have to admit... I am beat! In the past few weeks we’ve hit the county fair, zoo, parks, playgrounds, had some great cookouts with friends, and have just been enjoying the great weather we’ve been having lately. Jaiden is so proud of himself for feeding the giraffes at the zoo and loved seeing the wolves run around. We’re pretty sure he reenacts both encounters on a daily basis—yes, it’s as funny as it sounds.

A little timid at first...

Feeling Brave! Feeding the Giraffes :)



He’s all about reading books, playing outside, and helping me in the kitchen (especially when helping=tasting). He’s a bit of a Mommy’s boy right now (which is nice because he was all about Daddy last month) but Makenna is just entering the I only want Mommy stage so there are a few times during the day that an extra pair of arms would be nice! I can’t help but laugh, but it’s sometimes funny to count how many times Jaiden can say “mama” in a 45 second period when I’m busy with Makenna. He also insists on doing this whenever I get on the phone, am having a conversation with Kevin, or whenever my attention shifts from him to something else. He sure keeps me on my toes!





Watching Jaiden and Makenna interact melts my heart more than I thought imaginable. I keep telling myself to start catching these moments on video, so I promise to have one by the end of next week. Jaiden loves showing her how to “blow bubbles” and is beyond thrilled when she copies him and does it right back. She’s starting to do a lot of imitating (sticking out the tongue, cooing, etc) and Jaiden smiles from ear to ear when she’s willing to play his games. He absolutely loves when I bring Makenna into his room as he’s waking up for the day or from his nap and is getting adamant about having a good 10 minutes of cuddle time before he’s ready to get up. It’s adorable. I love my kiddos!




Makenna had her 4 month appointment last week and for the most part everything is going great. Developmentally she’s flying through all the milestones and is all around such a happy little girl. She weighs 15 lbs 11 oz (88th percentile) and is 25 ¾ inches long (92nd percentile) with a head circumference of 41.6 (65th percentile). Without getting too graphic we were told that her labia is fusing together, which is fairly common in little girls, but Makenna’s is already over 50% closed (more than the normal amount)—so if it continues, it could end with surgery around the age of two. They also told us that this could potentially cause a big increase in urinary tract infections... as if she wasn’t already fighting the genetic battle with that already. We’re really hoping that surgery won’t be necessary in the future. Poor baby :( Enough about that though! Her sleeping habits are still amazing just like big brothers were. We’re so lucky! We put Jaiden down at 8 or 8:30 and he sleeps in until a little after 8am. We put Makenna down around 9:30, she sleeps until 4am, gets up to eat, falls back asleep, and then sleeps until somewhere between 8 and 9. I enjoy the extra cuddles in the wee hours of the morning and am trying to soak up all the one on one time I get! Watching her face light up when I walk into the room makes getting up all the easier. She’s so fascinated with her hands and is just starting to bring toys up to her mouth to suck on. She hasn’t found her thumb yet, but with the way that she likes chewing/sucking on things, I think it’s only a matter of time. We put her in the swing at the playground the other night and she LOVED it. Jaiden was thrilled to have someone (other than Kev) swinging beside him. He loves his little sister so much already and I’m so excited to see the bond between the two of them grow.